Written testimonials from parents and students.
When you're looking for someone to teach your child (or yourself), how do you know which teacher to choose? Word of mouth is the best option, but if you don't know someone to ask, legitimate testimonials can also be helpful.
Below are comments from real people who are happy for you to contact them (please request their contact details here). |
From Kirsten.
"My 12 year old daughter Harriet, came to Jill with an interest in playing the Horn. In 12 short months she has gone from not being able to read music, to playing at Grade 4 level and absolutely loving it. Every lesson is fun and inspiring and Harriet leaves on a happy high each time. Jill is very encouraging of parental involvement and is more than happy for me to sit in on lessons. I find this incredibly helpful with practice. Jill's communication is great and I always know what's going on. I couldn't recommend her highly enough."
"My 12 year old daughter Harriet, came to Jill with an interest in playing the Horn. In 12 short months she has gone from not being able to read music, to playing at Grade 4 level and absolutely loving it. Every lesson is fun and inspiring and Harriet leaves on a happy high each time. Jill is very encouraging of parental involvement and is more than happy for me to sit in on lessons. I find this incredibly helpful with practice. Jill's communication is great and I always know what's going on. I couldn't recommend her highly enough."
From Una.
“It gives me great pleasure to provide a reference for Jill, who has taught my son and daughter for three years, plus been their band conductor. Jill has competently dealt with two children who are probably at two extremes: one is a 10-year-old, the other a teenager; one tries hard but struggles with some musical concepts, whilst the other is very talented but not so committed! She manages to keep them both motivated and they have made great progress whilst under her tutelage. She definitely modifies her style depending on the child she is teaching. Both siblings go happily to music lessons and enjoy their time with Jill.
Jill is also very good at keeping us informed about progress and bringing any issues to our attention. She clearly loves what she does and is totally dedicated to seeing her pupils progress. Anyone that has Jill as a teacher will not regret their choice.”
“It gives me great pleasure to provide a reference for Jill, who has taught my son and daughter for three years, plus been their band conductor. Jill has competently dealt with two children who are probably at two extremes: one is a 10-year-old, the other a teenager; one tries hard but struggles with some musical concepts, whilst the other is very talented but not so committed! She manages to keep them both motivated and they have made great progress whilst under her tutelage. She definitely modifies her style depending on the child she is teaching. Both siblings go happily to music lessons and enjoy their time with Jill.
Jill is also very good at keeping us informed about progress and bringing any issues to our attention. She clearly loves what she does and is totally dedicated to seeing her pupils progress. Anyone that has Jill as a teacher will not regret their choice.”
From Les. (Adult student)
"I had a lesson from Jill at the very beginning of my playing the French Horn. We discussed many of the pitch and embouchure issues I had. She gave me many tips and pointers as well as offering advice on going forward. I have followed her advice and in my first year I have successfully played in 3 orchestras, 7 concerts and also done 4 weeks playing in the musical Cats. (3rd horn, Kapiti Concert Orchestra, Hutt Vally Orchestra and 2nd Horn Kapiti Light Orchestra)"
"I had a lesson from Jill at the very beginning of my playing the French Horn. We discussed many of the pitch and embouchure issues I had. She gave me many tips and pointers as well as offering advice on going forward. I have followed her advice and in my first year I have successfully played in 3 orchestras, 7 concerts and also done 4 weeks playing in the musical Cats. (3rd horn, Kapiti Concert Orchestra, Hutt Vally Orchestra and 2nd Horn Kapiti Light Orchestra)"
From Angela.
"We had the distinct pleasure of first meeting Jill at an introduction session to brass instruments! With Jill’s expertise and enthusiasm, my two daughters, aged 9 and 10, each selected an instrument to begin lessons with Jill. Caitlin has been learning to play the Cornet for ten months and Alanna the Euphonium for a term. Caitlin, in less than four months instruction from Jill, went on to achieve a merit for her Grade 1 Cornet exam. They have also been privileged to be members of the Auckland City Training Band under Jill’s amazing direction!
Jill is a master teacher, well loved by my daughters, who cultivated a learning space for them to strive for both excellence and creativity. Jill’s teaching style, through her encouraging, warm and wonderful personality, is fun and exciting, always providing a challenge and interesting homework. Her thorough dedication and passion is visible in her capacity to nurture their playing. The unique combination of Jill’s skills and gifts filters through to all aspects of her teaching. She is an excellent organiser and communicator and has proved to be extremely flexible when lesson times need to be re-organised.
I have enormous respect for Jill who is a positive role model to my daughters and appreciate all she has taught them. If you have the opportunity to meet Jill don’t even hesitate to ask her to be a teacher for your children or even for yourself!"
"We had the distinct pleasure of first meeting Jill at an introduction session to brass instruments! With Jill’s expertise and enthusiasm, my two daughters, aged 9 and 10, each selected an instrument to begin lessons with Jill. Caitlin has been learning to play the Cornet for ten months and Alanna the Euphonium for a term. Caitlin, in less than four months instruction from Jill, went on to achieve a merit for her Grade 1 Cornet exam. They have also been privileged to be members of the Auckland City Training Band under Jill’s amazing direction!
Jill is a master teacher, well loved by my daughters, who cultivated a learning space for them to strive for both excellence and creativity. Jill’s teaching style, through her encouraging, warm and wonderful personality, is fun and exciting, always providing a challenge and interesting homework. Her thorough dedication and passion is visible in her capacity to nurture their playing. The unique combination of Jill’s skills and gifts filters through to all aspects of her teaching. She is an excellent organiser and communicator and has proved to be extremely flexible when lesson times need to be re-organised.
I have enormous respect for Jill who is a positive role model to my daughters and appreciate all she has taught them. If you have the opportunity to meet Jill don’t even hesitate to ask her to be a teacher for your children or even for yourself!"
From Janis.
"Jill has been a fabulous teacher in so many ways.
Jill:
"Jill has been a fabulous teacher in so many ways.
Jill:
- Instantly makes you feel comfortable. She is able to communicate with all ages, levels of music ability and somehow she manages to relate to all sorts of personalities within those spectrums.
- Has all the right qualifications, experience and ability as a brass player that will impress anyone
- Is very passionate about playing brass and this comes across in her lessons by way of encouragement and inspiration.
- Provides plenty of opportunities for the students to perform in front of a variety of audiences – concerts, productions, parades, festivals etc.
- Is an excellent communicator and administrator. You always know what’s coming up and what your child should be practicing. She freely offers advice or answers questions and has been a wonderful mentor to my son."
From Anita, a 17 year old brass student.
"What was very apparent when I met Jill two years ago as my brass quintet tutor and band conductor is that she doesn't just teach ‘how’ to play the instrument, how to make the sound and join the dots. She doesn't take music at face value, but rather teaches every student ‘why’ they play music, why it is so worthwhile and enjoyable and how to ‘be’ the best they can as a student, musician and person. Unlike some teachers Jill goes beyond the weekly lesson and finds numerous ways to motivate students and finds them opportunities at every level to broaden their understanding, confidence and knowledge. Teaching is more than just a job to her.
As a fantastic problem solver she has a massive brass tool box to be jealous of. Her understanding of the fundamentals of brass and specifically embouchure and breathing has been very helpful as both a trumpet and horn student.
Jill has taught me for five months on the French horn and the ‘crash course’ in learning has been a fantastic experience. From an interest lesson in August to final school assessments and a university audition in October and November it showcased her ability to teach, understanding of the instrument and the music. I learnt so much from her about brass playing, performing, expression, musicality and so forth. Jill has become a mentor and a role model both as a brass player and as a person providing me with the support, advice and encouragement in challenging circumstances as I transitioned to horn. She is a dedicated, knowledgeable teacher who is all too happy to answer your questions. All she asks is that you try and match her incredible enthusiasm."
"What was very apparent when I met Jill two years ago as my brass quintet tutor and band conductor is that she doesn't just teach ‘how’ to play the instrument, how to make the sound and join the dots. She doesn't take music at face value, but rather teaches every student ‘why’ they play music, why it is so worthwhile and enjoyable and how to ‘be’ the best they can as a student, musician and person. Unlike some teachers Jill goes beyond the weekly lesson and finds numerous ways to motivate students and finds them opportunities at every level to broaden their understanding, confidence and knowledge. Teaching is more than just a job to her.
As a fantastic problem solver she has a massive brass tool box to be jealous of. Her understanding of the fundamentals of brass and specifically embouchure and breathing has been very helpful as both a trumpet and horn student.
Jill has taught me for five months on the French horn and the ‘crash course’ in learning has been a fantastic experience. From an interest lesson in August to final school assessments and a university audition in October and November it showcased her ability to teach, understanding of the instrument and the music. I learnt so much from her about brass playing, performing, expression, musicality and so forth. Jill has become a mentor and a role model both as a brass player and as a person providing me with the support, advice and encouragement in challenging circumstances as I transitioned to horn. She is a dedicated, knowledgeable teacher who is all too happy to answer your questions. All she asks is that you try and match her incredible enthusiasm."
From Jane.
"My daughter played the trumpet in a band conducted by Jill, as well as in a small brass ensemble. She loved every minute of it and couldn't wait for band rehearsals each week. Jill is an extraordinary motivator of young musicians and has a wonderful ability to get the best out of the students, both as individuals and as an ensemble. She is dynamic and fun and band rehearsals were never dull! Her band was a happy, supportive place for the members and they had a wonderful time making great music."
"My daughter played the trumpet in a band conducted by Jill, as well as in a small brass ensemble. She loved every minute of it and couldn't wait for band rehearsals each week. Jill is an extraordinary motivator of young musicians and has a wonderful ability to get the best out of the students, both as individuals and as an ensemble. She is dynamic and fun and band rehearsals were never dull! Her band was a happy, supportive place for the members and they had a wonderful time making great music."
From Kate.
"Jill found my son playing the drums in a festival concert band and persuaded him to join her brass band which did not, at that point, have any percussion. As a rock drummer at heart, it is testament to Jill’s unique, quirky charm, persistence and enthusiasm that he agreed, and he thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the band for three years. While I thought Jill’s passion was brass, it appears her true calling is teaching. She has an extraordinary talent for bringing the best out of every child, making them produce music to an unbelievably high standard.
She can bring together an eclectic group of kids with a wide range of ages, abilities, backgrounds and personalities to produce some outstanding results. The technical aspects of the music have improved my son’s sight reading beyond anything we could have imagined and this has had a remarkable impact on his achievement in music and in so many other areas, including his schoolwork."
"Jill found my son playing the drums in a festival concert band and persuaded him to join her brass band which did not, at that point, have any percussion. As a rock drummer at heart, it is testament to Jill’s unique, quirky charm, persistence and enthusiasm that he agreed, and he thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the band for three years. While I thought Jill’s passion was brass, it appears her true calling is teaching. She has an extraordinary talent for bringing the best out of every child, making them produce music to an unbelievably high standard.
She can bring together an eclectic group of kids with a wide range of ages, abilities, backgrounds and personalities to produce some outstanding results. The technical aspects of the music have improved my son’s sight reading beyond anything we could have imagined and this has had a remarkable impact on his achievement in music and in so many other areas, including his schoolwork."
From Judith.
"Jill has taught my 14 year old daughter, Ellen, French Horn for almost 4 years. She has progressed from being a complete beginner on brass instruments to the current point where she is preparing for Trinity Grade 7. Jill has done a great job of teaching her both good technique and tone and helped her continue improving despite getting braces. Jill’s flexibility means that her students are taught at their own pace, with completely individual teaching programmes. Ellen looks forward to her lessons and appreciates being able to play duets with, and hear the sound quality of, a professional musician. I cannot recommend Jill more highly."
"Jill has taught my 14 year old daughter, Ellen, French Horn for almost 4 years. She has progressed from being a complete beginner on brass instruments to the current point where she is preparing for Trinity Grade 7. Jill has done a great job of teaching her both good technique and tone and helped her continue improving despite getting braces. Jill’s flexibility means that her students are taught at their own pace, with completely individual teaching programmes. Ellen looks forward to her lessons and appreciates being able to play duets with, and hear the sound quality of, a professional musician. I cannot recommend Jill more highly."
From Andrea.
"My daughter, Hannah has been learning the French horn from Jill for three terms. She absolutely adores Jill... as much as her French horn! She plays piano also and there is a vast difference in Hanny's attitude towards her learning and enthusiasm of each instrument ... ie she gets ready for French horn lessons the night before with great gusto! Jill is an amazing teacher and her ability to get the best out of your child's musical ability is amazing! I would recommend her whole heartedly."
"My daughter, Hannah has been learning the French horn from Jill for three terms. She absolutely adores Jill... as much as her French horn! She plays piano also and there is a vast difference in Hanny's attitude towards her learning and enthusiasm of each instrument ... ie she gets ready for French horn lessons the night before with great gusto! Jill is an amazing teacher and her ability to get the best out of your child's musical ability is amazing! I would recommend her whole heartedly."
From Sharon.
"Amélie has been learning to play baritone with Jill for three terms. Each week she comes home from her lesson full of enthusiasm and bubbling with pride and confidence in the progress she has made. Jill's enthusiasm and passion for music shines through in her brass tuition both in individual lessons and ensemble. She has a unique ability to inspire her students with her knowledge and expertise, cheerful personality, dedication to learning and her 'quirky' style! Jill makes brass accessible and an exciting learning experience. Watching the joy on my daughter's face when she performed for the first time was a heart warming moment. Jill brings out the very best in all her students allowing them the opportunity to shine. Thank you Jill"
From Amélie. (A young student)
"Jill is a fun teacher to learn music with. She gives you the chance to learn so many cool songs. She even writes her own songs for her brass ensemble. Thank you Jill for being my brass teacher. You are the best brass teacher ever."
"Amélie has been learning to play baritone with Jill for three terms. Each week she comes home from her lesson full of enthusiasm and bubbling with pride and confidence in the progress she has made. Jill's enthusiasm and passion for music shines through in her brass tuition both in individual lessons and ensemble. She has a unique ability to inspire her students with her knowledge and expertise, cheerful personality, dedication to learning and her 'quirky' style! Jill makes brass accessible and an exciting learning experience. Watching the joy on my daughter's face when she performed for the first time was a heart warming moment. Jill brings out the very best in all her students allowing them the opportunity to shine. Thank you Jill"
From Amélie. (A young student)
"Jill is a fun teacher to learn music with. She gives you the chance to learn so many cool songs. She even writes her own songs for her brass ensemble. Thank you Jill for being my brass teacher. You are the best brass teacher ever."